Hoverfly – Wildlife Explorer Verzamelobject

Discover the hoverfly (family Syrphidae), the striped superhero of the European garden. With its wasp mimicry – yellow and black stripes but completely harmless – the hoverfly is a master of deception and at the same time one of Europe's hardest working garden inhabitants. Its larvae devour aphids by the hundreds, while the adult hoverfly hovers from flower to flower, pollinating.

This premium magnet features stunning wildlife photography that captures the characteristic yellow and black stripes and hovering flight of this fascinating insect.

Conservation status: Least Concern

• Population: More than 6,000 species worldwide – widespread but locally declining due to pesticide use
• Habitat: Gardens, parks, flower-rich grasslands, and forest edges throughout Europe
• Major threats: Pesticide use, loss of nectar-rich flowers, intensive agriculture
• Ecological role: Important pollinators; larvae are effective aphid controllers

Fascinating facts:

• Hoverflies are important pollinators in Europe
• Their larvae can eat large numbers of aphids
• They can hover almost motionless in the air
• Hoverflies are completely harmless and cannot sting
• Some species migrate over long distances

Part of Wildlife Explorer.